School supplies distributed at Family of Christ in Mt. Vernon

Mt. Vernon’s Family of Christ Church has been coordinating the back-to-school supply program for families in the Mt. Vernon community since 2014. School supply coordinator and retired Mt. Vernon kindergarten teacher Jean Duwe saw the need for school supplies during her time teaching. 
 
This program is unique in that all the supplies that the teachers have requested for that grade are provided, except for the extra items like tissues and Clorox wipes. 
 
Duwe said that every year someone walks away with a story that reminds them about why this program is so important. 
 
Stephanie Henry, a parent who uses the program said “it just blessed me big time.”
 
The first time Henry signed up for the program, she had just undergone major emergency surgery and still had to prepare five kids for school. Because of her surgery, Henry had to miss work, but the program allowed her family to get all the necessary supplies before the year began.
 
Shannon Williams, a member of Family of Christ and volunteer with the program, said this work is important to their church because it allows their small congregation to be involved in the community.
 
“This is a really big endeavor that we do every year and I think that it brings us all together,” said Williams.
 
Members of all ages, from five to 99 years old, help pack the bags and hand them out to families. The program’s only requirement is that assisted students are members of the Mt. Vernon School District. Duwe said it's the Christian philosophy.
 
“If they need help, we are here to help,” said Duwe.
 
This year was a larger year for this program, serving over 300 Mt. Vernon youth. The back-to-school supply program is funded by donations and a grant from the Mt. Vernon Community Foundation of the Ozarks.
 
The church does not require any financial information from families so they are able to help anyone who signs up. This means that the program is ineligible for most grants, but the church continues the program regardless.
 
“They do it for everybody no matter what your income status is,” said Henry.
 
To donate:
Donations to support the program may be sent to Family of Christ 621 W. Sloan St. Mt. Vernon, Mo.